How to Spend 24 Hours in Winnipeg With Kids

With so many video game beeps and cartoon show booms, it’s easy to feel like your home is being overtaken by distractions. So book a trip that’s perfect for getting back to the basics. Make your way to Winnipeg! Even if you only have one day to spend in “The Peg” with your family, there’s still plenty of things to do. Expedia Canada put together this nimble guide for spending 24 hours in Winnipeg with your kids:

Morning

Like peanut butter and jelly, kids and zoo animals simply go together. It doesn’t matter if your kiddos love lions, tigers, or bears, there are hundreds of fuzzy creatures for them to admire and love at the Assiniboine Park Zoo. The centre is home to over 1,500 animals, with every type of mammal, reptile, fish, and bird you can imagine. Keep your eyes out for the zoo’s Journey to Churchill exhibit, showcasing seven polar bears named Blizzard, Star, Storm, Aurora, Kaska, Humphrey, and Hudson.

You and the family might also want to check out the Canadian Museum of Human Rights. It’s the only museum in the world dedicated to the awareness and promotion of human rights. There’s a wealth of exhibits, so you won’t have to worry about age appropriateness if you have little ones in tow. It’s a great place to introduce the kids to worldly events and the importance of respecting fellow cultures.

Afternoon

Lather on the sunscreen and hit up Tinkertown in the afternoon. This popular amusement park has been a local staple for over two decades. The classics are here of course, like the train ride, merry-go-round, and Ferris wheel. But there are also wet boat rides, kiddie swings, and a mini drop tower to give thrills to both parents and kiddos.

If your kids are more into swimming and splashing, head to Fun Mountain instead. Here you can find seven water slides, three slides dedicated to kids, a mini golf course, volleyball court, and bumper boats. There’s even a large hot tub for you parents looking to unwind after a day running around the park.
For an alternative option, check out the The Manitoba Museum, which has a little bit of everything for everyone. See the stars in a new way in the Planetarium, try out the hands-on exhibits in the Science Gallery, and learn more about the province in the museum galleries.

Night

Just because you have kids with you doesn’t mean fast food is on the dinner menu. In fact, Winnipeg has a great culinary scene that can be a treat for parents (and children) while on vacation. Just remember to save a little room for ice cream when you’re done. That’s because it’s time to introduce the kids to the famous Bridge Drive-In (or, BDI as locals call it). The BDI has been serving soft serve ice cream since 1957 and haven’t changed their method in nearly half a century. They only use real dairy and high-quality ingredients. All of the classic flavors are there, as well as specialties like Cantaberry, peach velvet and vegan-friendly options. Order a cone then walk across the bridge, admiring the Manitoba landscape with your kids.

After treats, you might even want to take the family to a Goldeyes baseball game. Promotion nights and fireworks are plentiful, and the sense of community is hard to beat.

Sometimes you just have to get out of town and reconnect with the family. Spend the day in Winnipeg. Even if it’s just 24 hours, it’s a day they’ll never forget.